[DZ]

Foray into Camping

Anzac Weekend 2010

Camping on the bike is something I have wanted to try for some time now and I finally had enough motivation to give it a go. Armed with a new sleeping bag and as much gear I could stuff onto the bike I headed off Saturday morning towards Moss Vale where I met up with a like minded soul and ventured into the bush.

Being a long weekend there was a lot more traffic on the tracks than usual so care had to be taken along Wombeyan Caves road, Range fire trail and the like. Whilst we enjoyed riding along mostly in sunshine it seemed we were slowly being surrounded by some pretty angry storm clouds and squally winds at times. Despite the growing concern about the possibility of a wet night in the tents we enjoyed a leisurely ride through to Tarana for a bite to eat.

We were going to head from here and explore some of Sunny Corner and try and meet up with Rigs and Cathi on our way to Newnes to camp for the night. However the weather was closing in and we thought it would be wise to head for the camp site earlier rather than later and make camp in daylight and when it was dry. On the approach to Newnes valley you come upon an escarpment where there is a grand view of the valley opening up before you. This is a nice place to stop and gaze out on the sheer cliffs and wonder how on earth did the first settlers ever find the place.

Down the valley we headed and on to the worst corrugated 20kms I think I have been on. My eyeballs are still shaking in my head! It is worth it though. The old Hotel still stands and there is camping along the river some private (pets allowed) opposite the hotel and further on in the National Park. The place was busy so we crossed the river where someone had a bath in the river with their bike and found a pleasant spot to make camp.

Tent setup, fire wood gathered and camp fire lit and then it started to rain. The showers passed quickly and we enjoyed dinner and the camp fire in between. After a big day and the rain falling again it was time to hit the hay.

Day 2
It rained all night and was awoken by the rumbling of a rock fall in the valley that sounded as if it were going to come through the tent in any moment. I ate my porridge (good camp food), packed a wet tent in a small break in the rain and headed out of the valley re-fording the river from the day before without incident and out along a now wet and muddy corrugated road. No it wasn’t made any less smoother from the rain. We rolled into Portland hours after Rigs and Cathi had left and in time for the local’s Anzac parade and service. So we took a breather while the sun made brief appearances and before we refuelled and headed to Sunny Corner. (Not so sunny). Windy, Cold and wet perhaps? Proceeding Northwest from Sunny Corner we followed the signs to Sofala with the intention to go to Hill End. The Tar turned to Gravel. The Gravel turned to dirt. The dirt suddenly turned to Mud and the Kawasaki decided it wanted to wallow for a while and ejected its passenger. The passenger got up laughing, with a new respect for the churned up surface and all was well. (Ian it was three times worse than the 20 creek crossings road. You would have loved it).



We passed standard cars and latter found out that the churned up surface was due to a group of 4x4’s going through earlier that day and have a little bit too much fun. It was slow going however this let us take in the picture perfect countryside we now found ourselves in. Following the Turon river we made it into Sofala in time for two up at the pub. We had had an adventurous afternoon and decided to set up camp early outside Sofala along the Turon river which meant we gave the tents and gear time to dry, collect a tree for firewood, enjoy dinner and settle in for the night. A top Day.



Day 3
Homeward bound via the North west of course.
It was a cold clear night. Sleeping bag was a fantastic purchase. Ice on everything.

Road to Hill end has maybe 8kms left of dirt at the Sofala end, we checked out the camping area, a fantastic lookout and finally turned out direction south toward home via the bridle track to Bathurst.



It was now 1pm and we still had a far way to go so we slabbed it to Oberon, Taralga, Goulboun, Mossvale to test out the Kawasaki’s seat and made it for 5:00pm.

All the camping gear performed well. The list of extra things to take is growing however but I don’t know how I can carry any more stuff.

Thanks Sven for a great weekend

I am thinking the next trip involves a bridge.
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B M W K 1 2 0 0 S
& F650GS

[rigs]

Nice report DZ.
Its good riding out that way.

Brave of you to take on the camping side of Adventure riding. Well done.
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Cheers,
Rigs

"Corripe Cervisiam"

[mmcc]

Camping, cold, wet, more wet, even colder. Gave it up decades ago as something I didn't enjoy. My idea of camping is renting a cabin at the local caravan park. Fridge, cold beer and sausage sangers. Then ride the bike along some great road all warm and more importantly dry.
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The sum of the whole if often more than the sum of the parts and so is life.
K1200S
F650CS
YZF750R Barbie

[BAZ77]

Good report there DZ - looks like a great ride....

btw - what Kawasaki?
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"That's the way I roll. if you don't like it don't go there. Now fark off and complain to someone else."

[CathiM]

It's a pity we missed you DZ.

Sounds like you had a good time although don't envy you the camping in the rain. We did think of you as we were tucked up warm and dry in the pub - promise!!

[mrgoof]

Good report there DZ
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when it comes to riding... The people who care WHAT you ride don't matter... the people who don't care... do

[Daino]

Sounds like I have passed on the curse of rainy weather during any camping trip on to you guys. My tent has been out about a dozen times, with 11 of those times raining. I no longer camp. I gave up.
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Dark Green ZZR1100.

[DZ]

[DZ]

The camping part of the trip was actually quite a refreshing approach . It did allow for a much more relaxed schedule as we didn't really have to get anywhere in particular by a set time. It does help if you have the right gear and a like for camping though. I slept well each night as I was knackered from the days ride.
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B M W K 1 2 0 0 S
& F650GS

[Python]

[Joey]

Good read , nice photos.....
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Joanne....

[dallas]

very nice.... Typical Murphys Law to rain on a camping trip!

D
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